Events
The International Downtown Association and co-host, Downtown Seattle Association, are proud to present the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace in Seattle, Washington, on September 11-13, 2024. The 2024 theme, Inspiring Innovation & Impact, will encourage inspired leaders shaping cities around the globe to innovate, push boundaries, take risks and further the impact within their own distinct cities. Attendees will have the opportunity to share best practices, discover new ideas, build successful partnerships and explore emerging solutions.
And what better place to gather than in Seattle? From its pioneering roots, Seattle’s frontier culture of innovation has had a profound impact across the globe. From coffee, online shopping and air travel to computer software, music and life sciences, the Emerald City has been at the forefront of innovation for more than 150 years. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, lakes and bays, downtown Seattle is the center of the Puget Sound region’s economy and culture. It’s home to a robust arts and entertainment scene, with world-class museums, theaters, live music venues, award-winning restaurants and six major-league sports teams. Built on the lands of the Coast Salish people, the city’s population is drawn from many nations and enriched by many traditions. Downtown alone is home to a diverse population of more than 106,000 residents who enjoy one of the most walkable urban areas in the country.
IDA attendees will have a chance to explore many of downtown’s 12 neighborhoods – a mixture of historic and modern – as well as surrounding districts, each with their own unique character, and hear from some of the brilliant minds behind the companies and organizations that make Seattle tick. Get ready to experience this global city that continues to reshape the way the world lives, works, shops and plays.
Master Talks
Bob Donegan
President, Ivar's
For 4 decades, Bob Donegan has championed Seattle's waterfront. His contributions are woven throughout, from shaping the strategic plan for the Port of Seattle's Marine Division to advising on critical projects like the Colman Dock Community Advisory Panel and design committees for the seawall and the new park. He has been a stakeholder on the Alaskan Way Viaduct & Seawall Replacement Project; served on the boards of the Historic Waterfront Association, the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Chamber; and now sits on the Central Waterfront Oversight committee, which manages the park. His day job is managing Ivar’s, a seafood restaurant company now in its 86th year.
Elliott Ferguson
President and CEO, Destination DC
Elliott Ferguson is President and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. He joined DDC in 2001 as VP of Convention Sales, became SVP of Convention Sales and Services in 2005 and has served in his current role since 2009. Ferguson is immediate past chair of the Event Leaders 100, where he guided the group’s efforts to advance ideas to move the industry forward. He is also treasurer for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the U.S. He has previously served as chair of the board of directors for U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Diversity Matters. Ferguson is a 35-year veteran of the travel and hospitality industry. 
Kelly Goodejohn
Vice President & Chief Social Impact Officer, Starbucks
Kelly Goodejohn is Vice President and Chief Social Impact Officer at Starbucks where she’s been working for 18 years. She leads the community and social impact strategy, including enabling partner engagement, developing social impact stores portfolio, community resilience programs and responding in times of disaster. She is focused on ways in which Starbucks can support thriving communities by empowering partners, leveraging third place for human connection and solving community challenges. Her team also leads The Starbucks Foundation, which supports thriving communities through grants to nonprofit organizations, from coffee and tea-growing communities worldwide to their hometown of Seattle and neighborhoods across the U.S. With over 25 years of social impact and sustainability experience, Kelly is relentlessly committed to making a difference for all. 
Mari Horita
Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Government Relations, Seattle KrakenAs Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Government Relations for the Seattle Kraken and Executive Director of One Roof Foundation, Mari Horita sits on the team’s Executive Committee and leads the development and implementation of the social impact, community engagement, philanthropic, and DE&I vision and strategy. Prior to joining the Kraken Mari was President and CEO of ArtsFund, where she led the organization’s strategic transition to better represent and serve the evolving population and arts community in the Puget Sound region. Mari is also the Vice Chair of the Downtown Seattle Association Board. In 2023, she was recognized as a Women of Influence by the Puget Sound Business Journal and named among Seattle’s Most Influential by Seattle Magazine in 2024.
Amy King
Founder and CEO, PalletAmy King is the Founder and CEO of Pallet, a public benefit corporation working to end unsheltered homelessness and give people fair chance access to employment through comprehensive work first workforce development programming. Pallet has deployed more than 100 villages across 85 U.S. cities. King also co-founded Weld Seattle, a nonprofit that equips individuals impacted by the justice system with housing, employment and other resources conducive to successful reintegration back into society.
Shannon Loew
Vice President of Global Corporate Real Estate and Facilities, AmazonShannon Loew is Vice President of Global Corporate Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) at Amazon, overseeing the company’s global corporate real estate portfolio of over 60 million sq. ft. in more than 60 countries. He is responsible for portfolio strategy and occupancy planning, workplace experience & design, sustainability, facilities management, environmental health and safety, and travel & events for Amazon’s corporate employees. Shannon has a prior career in marketing and design, working in Europe, Africa, and nationally with Saatchi, Ogilvy, and IDEO for clients including Nike, IBM, Brookfield, and the Cities of San Francisco and Seattle. He has served as the Chair of the Seattle Design Commission and a member of Leadership Tomorrow’s Curriculum Committee.
Monique Ming Laven
Anchor, KIRO 7 (Seattle’s CBS affiliate)Monique Ming Laven is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award winning anchor at KIRO 7, Seattle’s CBS affiliate. Originally from California, she’s been an anchor and reporter in Seattle since 2006 and worked in Kansas, Wisconsin and Ohio prior to joining KIRO 7.
John Schoettler
John Schoettler, Vice President of Global Real Estate and Facilities, AmazonJohn Schoettler is Vice President of Amazon’s Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) team. GREF’s mission is to provide a secure, sustainable, efficient, and collaborative work environment that enables Amazon employees to collaborate, innovate, and delight customers. Over the past 23 years, John’s team has grown Amazon’s corporate real estate portfolio from 1M square feet to more than 60M square feet in more than 60 countries. Additionally, John’s team oversees the Amazon Global Environmental Health and Safety & Sustainability and Global Corporate Travel & Events teams.
Conference Details
The 2024 Annual Conference & Marketplace will be held at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, located at 808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101, U.S. and at various other locations throughout Seattle.
Founded in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization focused on creating a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. Their membership includes 1,100 businesses, nonprofits and downtown residents. In 1999 DSA founded and continues to manage the Metropolitan Improvement District, a 300-square-block business-improvement district funded by 1,300 downtown property owners. MID funding supports daily cleaning, safety and concierge services provided by more than 130 ambassadors. Through a contract with the city of Seattle, DSA also manages, staffs and activates several downtown parks and public spaces. The MID was renewed in spring 2023 for another decade and will generate $18.5 million toward critical services in fiscal year 2023-24. Learn more at downtownseattle.org.
Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on X, Facebook or LinkedIn using #IDASEA24. Members can log in to IDEA Connection, IDA’s online virtual community to connect with peers, share best practices, and exchange ideas before meeting up in Seattle. Learn more and login here.
Online registration for the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace is now closed. To register for the conference or to add tours and workshops to your registration, please visit IDA on-site at the Registration desk (5th Floor) at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, located at 808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101, U.S., during the following times (below listed times are Central Time):
- Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
- Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 7:30am – 6:30pm
- Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 7:30am – 5:30pm
- Friday, September 13, 2024 | 7:30am – 3:30pm
Current registration prices are:
IDA Member Price: $975 (U.S) | $780 (Canada) | $700 (International)
Nonmember Price: $1,175 (U.S) | $960 (Canada) | $880 (International)
*One-Day Only Price (Wednesday, Thursday or Friday): $475
**Guest Price: $250 (a la carte prices available below)
By registering you are agreeing to IDA’s Event Agreement and Code of Conduct and IDA Attendee Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form.
The full registration fee includes General Sessions with Master Talks, Breakout Sessions, admission to Marketplace, receptions (2), refreshment breaks (4) and lunches (2). Pre-conference workshops and tours are available for an additional fee (see program for fees). Advance registration is not required for General or Breakout Sessions, Service Advisories or Lunch & Learns.
Group Pricing: Groups of four or more individuals from the same organization receive an additional 10% off their group registration. Each person being registered within a group must be from the same organization or company to qualify for the group pricing. NOTE: A minimum of four individuals must be registered at the same time. If less than four register, you CANNOT register the fourth person at a later date to receive the group pricing. This group pricing only applies to full conference registrants and does not include workshops or tours. Unfortunately, the registration system is no longer capable of automatically applying group savings at checkout the way it has in past years. We apologize for the inconvenience. In order to receive the 10% group savings, please use code “GROUPOF4SEA” during checkout when registering four or more qualifying attendees. If you have any questions about group registration, please email IDA at registration@downtown.org.
*The one-day registration fee is available for one single day only. The fee includes access to one day of Plenary Sessions with Master Talks, Breakout Sessions scheduled for the day of your attendance, admission to the Marketplace, refreshment breaks (2), lunch and/or reception scheduled for the day of your attendance. Tours on the day of your attendance are available for an additional fee (see program for fees). Single day registrants are not eligible to attend activities outside their selected day. Should you choose to attend more than one day, you must purchase a full registration. Advance registration is not required for General or Breakout Sessions, Service Advisories or Lunch & Learns. Currently, single day rates are not available in the online registration system. If you are interested in registering for one-day only (Wednesday, Thursday or Friday), please contact IDA at registration@downtown.org for assistance.
**The guest fee of $250USD includes receptions (2) and lunches (2). Attendees may purchase a ticket for a guest for a single reception only (opening or closing) and/or both receptions (opening and closing). The fee is $50USD per guest reception ticket. Tours are also available for an additional fee for registered guests (see program for fees). The guest fee does not include session or workshop attendance. Currently, guest rates are not available in the online registration system. If you are interested in registering a guest, please contact IDA at registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Student Registration: IDA is offering a student rate of $149USD for the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace. If you are currently a student at a university or a college (graduate or undergraduate degrees), email registration@downtown.org for assistance in registering to attend the conference at this special rate which includes a one-year student membership to IDA. Registration for students will close on August 14, 2024. Please include a copy of your valid student ID card (including dates) or a current enrollment letter along with the completed student membership enrollment form. If you are a current student member, please email registration@downtown.org for assistance in registering to attend the conference at this special rate.
Payment Methods: For your convenience, payments may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Should you need to pay by check or ACH, you will not be able to complete registration online. Please email registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by Wednesday, August 21, 2024 will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Cancellations received after August 21, 2024 will not be refunded. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing at registration@downtown.org.
Substitutions: Substitutions of complete registrations (including tours and workshops) are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to registration@downtown.org before September 10, 2024, at 3 pm ET to complete your substitution. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant and must be transferred to an individual in your organization. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution.
Outstanding Balance: Please note, if you have an outstanding balance for this event and/or tour(s), you will not receive your badge on-site or be allowed to attend tours until payment is received. Please contact registration@downtown.org prior to your arrival on-site to pay your outstanding balance.
Adding a Pre-Conference Tour, Pre-conference Workshop or Mobile Tour: Please note, the pre-conference tours, pre-conference workshops and mobile tours sellout quickly and are booked on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, it is advisable to add these items at the time of your conference registration. If you are registering for someone else or a group, please find out their selection prior to registering them. Although each person within the group can purchase a tour or workshop after they have been registered, they run the risk of the tour or workshop no longer being available.
If you have already registered for the conference and would like to add a workshop or tour, you can add it directly from your individual profile. Please note, authorized users cannot log back in to add a tour to someone else’s event registration. You must be logged in as the individual wishing to purchase the tour. After logging in, click on the “Purchases” tab. On the left-hand side will be an option for “Events.” From there, you should have listed the Annual Conference & Marketplace; click on the “Details” button next to that listing. Once you are on your registration profile, there is an “Add Session” button on the right-hand side. This will allow you to add other options to your cart and check out the same way you registered.
Pre-Conference Day Trips, Pre-Conference Tours, Pre-Conference Workshop and/or Mobile Tour Cancellation Policy: If you have already registered for the conference and would like to add a day trip, tour or workshop, you can add it directly from your individual profile. Please note, authorized users cannot log back in to add a tour to someone else’s event registration. You must be logged in as the individual wishing to purchase the tour. Tours may be canceled without penalty prior to Wednesday, August 21, 2024. After August 21, 2024, no refunds will be given on pre-conference day trips, pre-conference tours, pre-conference workshops and/or mobile tours. If you are planning to cancel your tour or workshop, please email registration@downtown.org.
Not already a member of IDA? Register at the member rate by joining today! Contact Customer Service to complete enrollment.
The official conference accommodation is at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, located at 808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101, U.S. The overflow hotel is at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, located at 721 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101, which is approximately a 3-minute (0.1 mile) walk from the host hotel.
The room block has been completed at both hotels. Please call the hotels listed above to confirm if a room is available under the IDA room block as there could be cancellations.
About the Hyatt Regency Seattle
Located in the heart of the Emerald City, Hyatt Regency Seattle is the city’s first and only LEED Gold-Certified hotel. The hotel is close to Lake Union and Elliott Bay and near Lumen Field, Pacific Place, Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. The Link Light Rail is only two blocks away. Airy rooms feature contemporary decor and city views, plus sitting areas, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Amenities include restaurants, piano bar, lobby bar, cafe and fitness center.
Don’t be Scammed by Third Party Housing Companies
The official hotel is listed above. Please beware of other companies soliciting hotel room “deals” over the dates of the Annual Conference & Marketplace. Third party housing companies typically offer a higher rate than the official block rate. These companies’ cancellation policies are often harsh and unforgiving. IDA is not working with any third parties to offer attendees accommodation. If you receive a solicitation and are unsure whether or not it is legitimate, please contact Lul Teklit at Lul@downtown.org.
Take advantage of Alaska Airlines’ special offer! Visit AlaskaAir.com and input the Discount Code* when searching for flights into Seattle, Washington (SEA). Our official airline partner, Alaska Airlines, has extended this offer for travel between September 5 – September 17, 2024.
Eligible Tickets: A 10% savings will be applied to Alaska Airlines’ published fares (except companion and other promotional fares). Any change or cancellation after ticketing is subject to a service charge. All fare rules and additional blackout dates of the fare apply. The discount and the fare are subject to all applicable taxes and surcharges. A ticket is eligible for the discount provided it has been purchased on AlaskaAir.com and provided the discount code has been applied at the time of purchase. Any ticket not purchased on AlaskaAir.com for the purpose of traveling to the conference will not qualify for any discount. Only bookings made to the designated conference city (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)) are eligible for the discount. Bookings originating in the conference city are not eligible.
*The booking code can be found in your attendee confirmation email. If you are unable to find your confirmation email, please contact registration@downtown.org for assistance.
IDA is committed to making our educational sessions accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and to reasonably accommodating the assistive needs of our members, attendees and partners. We are actively working to increase the accessibility of our offerings. In so doing, we strive to comply with the available standards and guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws to the greatest extent possible. If you are having trouble accessing an IDA offering, or have a question regarding session accessibility features, please contact IDA at registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Who attends the IDA conference? IDA conferences are designed to meet the needs of professional place managers from downtown organizations, city agencies, municipalities and private-sector companies. Content is designed for every level of the profession, from executives to associates.
Where is the conference located? The Hyatt Regency Seattle, located at 808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101, U.S., and at various other locations throughout downtown Seattle. Select preconference and mobile tours will be held off-site; those location details will be noted in the program.
Are meals included? For each full day of the conference (Thursday and Friday), a morning continental breakfast and lunch will be included.
Is there a dress code? While there is not a specific dress code for the conference, most attendees choose to dress between business and business casual. Individual events (tours, receptions, etc.) throughout the conference may specify and require a certain dress code. Those events will be noted.
Is there parking? The Hyatt Regency Seattle has self-parking. The cost for self-parking is $43 USD/night.
Will there be wi-fi at the conference? There will be wi-fi available for IDA attendees at the Hyatt Regency Seattle.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport? If travelling by taxi/Uber/Lyft, a ride downtown takes 20 minutes, depending upon the time of day. The average fare from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle is $40-70 USD.
If traveling by train, upon arrival at the airport, follow signs to the Link Light Rail station. Walk down the corridor (or catch a ride on a free shuttle) to the station. Purchase an ORCA card from the vending machines near the station entrance. The cost for the ride to downtown Seattle is $3.50. Tap your ORCA card on the reader before boarding. The Link Light Rail towards Lynnwood will take you directly downtown. Exit at Westlake Station which is a short walk from the Hyatt Regency.
How do I maximize my #IDASEA24 experience? Watch our August 28, 2024 recorded webinar to learn from seasoned professionals how they approach the conference to enhance their learning experience, network and come home with actionable items to apply in their respective cities. During this webinar you will learn about the conference marketplace, mobile app and learning opportunities available to you. Click here to view.
Looking for Seattle suggestions? DSA has put together a list of some of their favorite nearby spots to make the most of your visit. View their recommendations here.
The Annual Conference & Marketplace of the International Downtown Association is the signature gathering of inspired leaders who are shaping cities around the globe. This is the premier event for urban place management professionals to discuss industry trends, share best practices and learn the latest tips of the trade.
What we heard:
- “The IDA Annual Conference is one of the best learning experiences of the year. The content is excellent, the lessons learned are applicable in other city contexts and the Master Talks are inspirational and help reinvigorate us for the work that we do.”
- “The IDA conference is an outstanding opportunity to gain expert knowledge and learn from other communities. It is a ‘must-attend’ event for all urban management professionals interested in how to ensure a bright future for our ever-growing cities.”
- “This was my first IDA conference and a great experience. As someone who has much to learn, this provided a great opportunity to do so.”
- “I left the conference feeling energized about the work we do. We’re able to gauge our general place management performance within the context of other cities, while gleaning new ideas. I’ve collected ideas from other cities that we can adapt and employ back home.”
- “This conference was educating, refreshing and inspiring to see the work that’s being done in cities around the world. I encourage staff at varying levels to attend and share what you learned with your colleagues and create a plan of action to produce measurable change in your community.”
- “Once again, IDA has brought together the innovators that breathe life and excitement into our downtowns.”
- “If your organization is dealing with an issue, IDA conferences are the way to meet directly with a person who has successfully dealt with that issue.”
Past Resources:
IDA members can watch videos now from previous Master Talks or download past session presentations by visiting the Knowledge Center.
Members of the media interested in attending the IDA Annual Conference & Marketplace are welcome during the event’s Master Talks, breakout sessions and select mobile tours. RSVPs for credentialed media are required for programs and tours. To obtain credentials, please contact Allison Shashok, Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Operations, at allison@downtown.org. Please identify your outlet and contact information.
Media are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging during the conference.
Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on X, Facebook or LinkedIn using #IDASEA24. Members can log in to IDEA Connection, IDA’s online virtual community to connect with peers, share best practices, and exchange ideas before meeting up in Seattle. Learn more and log in here.
Are you coming to Seattle with IDA? Show off your attendance and let your colleagues know by sharing the “I’m Attending” social media badge (download the image).
Get connected! Download the free IDA Events Mobile App from the Google Play or Apple App Store before heading to Seattle. Create your own personalized agenda, explore speaker bios, chat with other attendees, take surveys and learn about district enhancing products and services. To download the Mobile App, visit the Google Play or Apple App Store and search IDA Events or click the corresponding link below.
Apple Store URL: Please click here to download the application
Google Play Store URL: Please click here to download the application
Wherever possible, there has been an effort at this year’s Annual Conference & Marketplace to reduce the amount of paper. There will be no printed program available this year. IDA highly recommends you download the app before arriving on-site. When available, presentations will be placed on the event app and/or in IDA’s Knowledge Center after the event.
Once you have downloaded the IDA Events Mobile App, you will be prompted to enter your name and email address. Please enter the email address you used to register for the Annual Conference. A validation code will arrive to your email from registration@downtown.org. No password set-up is required. Please note, if you do not log into the app for more than seven days, you will be required to reenter a validation code. There will be free wi-fi on-site at the Hyatt Regency Seattle for conference attendees so you can stay up-to-date with the program, exhibitors, sponsors and other attendees.
And don’t forget, you can win prizes (and bragging rights) as you rack up points on the app leaderboard for posting a photo, taking surveys, visiting exhibitor profiles and more!
Click here to learn about curating your personalized agenda, chatting with other attendees, posting to the event feed and exploring exhibitors!
This year, IDA is featuring new discussion boards on the IDA Events App to help you expand your network. The Practice-Based Community Hub is designed to connect you with peers within your professional practice area. Exchange knowledge, ask questions, offer advice and meet up in-person while in Seattle. The Thursday Night Out discussion board can help you make new connections by engaging with other attendees for a social Thursday night out in the city. Make plans, explore local hotspots and build lasting relationships while at #IDASEA24.
Stay connected post-conference! Take surveys and access presentations. Open the app to view available presentations from 2024’s Annual Conference & Marketplace under the agenda tab until the end of the year.
By attending the 2024 Annual Conference & Marketplace, certified Leaders in Place Management will earn 12 credit hours toward the renewal of their LPM certification. Additional certification maintenance credits can be earned by attending qualifying pre-conference workshops during the conference. When credits are available for workshops, they are noted in the program. Please visit downtown.org/certification to learn more about becoming certified or recording continuing education units.
IDA is an AICP credit provider. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for the Annual Conference sessions and workshops. When CM credits are available, they are noted in the program. IDA’s 2024 sessions provide an easy way for AICP certified planners to earn their CM credits. Learn more and submit credits on your own at planning.org/cm.
For decades, urban place management professionals have acted as leaders of their communities by undertaking the strategic and visionary work of city building. IDA has developed seven official knowledge domains, recognizing the distinct areas of professional practice used to shape vibrant urban districts which anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions around the world. Content for IDA’s Annual Conference is organized around this framework. For more information about each domain, visit the Career Center.
Preview the agenda below (please note, all times listed are Pacific Daylight Time and all prices are in USD). To see the full description, click on the down arrow next to the title. You can filter the program by domain or session type and start curating your personalized experience. You can also download and print a copy of the current program by clicking the “PDF” button below. Note, this program is subject to change.
Conference Program
- Tuesday 10 Sep 2024
- Wednesday 11 Sep 2024
- Thursday 12 Sep 2024
- Friday 13 Sep 2024
Tuesday 10 Sep 2024
Price:
- $95
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Explore the transformation of Bellevue from a suburban area to a thriving urban center. Discover firsthand how Bellevue's growth corridor has become Washington's second-largest downtown, attracting global tech giants, boasting diverse retail districts, and fostering vibrant, pedestrian-friendly residential neighborhoods. This tour offers a unique perspective on Bellevue's evolution into a dynamic urban environment while also shedding light on the challenges it faces in terms of infrastructure, affordable housing, and shifting office trends. Participants will visit the region’s premier transit-oriented development (TOD), including the office spaces, public amenities and Spring District Station. From there, the tour continues aboard Sound Transit's 2 Line to the Bellevue Downtown Station, where participants will embark on a guided walking tour of the Grand Connection and its amenities. Highlights include a glimpse into significant office and residential developments, open public spaces, cultural landmarks like the Bellevue Arts Museum, premier retail destinations such as The Bellevue Collection, Bellevue Downtown Park's green oasis, the activation of Old Bellevue, and scenic Meydenbauer Bay Waterfront Park.
- *This tour includes lunch, transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $95
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Enjoy a day trip to Seattle's vibrant University District, a neighborhood anchored by the University of Washington, to explore the growth and development of both the campus and the surrounding neighborhood. Gain insight into how anchor institutions drive economic activity, enhance public transportation, build growth and support place management organizations as crucial stewards amidst transformative neighborhood changes.
- *This tour includes lunch, transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $95
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Discover SODO, the industrial heart of Seattle and a 24/7/365 component of the region's economy. This neighborhood serves as the base for a diverse array of industries, from major manufacturers and global headquarters to small businesses, cannabis processors, and distilleries. This tour will feature the emergence of new industries in SODO and uncover the reasons behind their decision to establish roots here. Learn about the factors that contribute to their continued presence and the obstacles they encounter on their path to success. Participants will then explore the Starbucks Headquarters, which draws thousands of employees to SODO each day. SODO and Seattle are also bustling hubs of maritime activity, anchored by the renowned Port of Seattle. This vital port facilitates the flow of international goods, serves as a gateway for approximately 1.5 million travelers embarking on Alaska cruises annually, and bustles with the constant movement of tugs and barges along the waterfront, driving job creation and economic prosperity for the city. For an unparalleled view of this maritime landscape, there's no better vantage point than the water itself. Join aboard an Argosy boat for an afternoon cruise, a unique opportunity presented by the Port of Seattle in collaboration with the SODO BIA and the Ballard Alliance. Throughout the journey, delve into the rich industrial history of the area, witness the ongoing revitalization of the waterfront and gain insight into the ambitious vision for a sustainable, eco-friendly port of the future.
- *This tour includes lunch, bus and boat transportation, and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $95
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Located in northwest Seattle, the Ballard neighborhood boasts a rich history, having once been an independent city before merging with Seattle in 1907. Over a century later, Ballard maintains a distinct identity, steeped in Scandinavian heritage, maritime traditions and a strong sense of neighborhood pride. The Ballard Alliance has recently facilitated public art initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating the neighborhood's unique history and cultural identity while also highlighting underrepresented narratives, including Indigenous and youth voices. During this tour, participants will have the opportunity to engage with these vibrant art installations, exploring how art contributes to a sense of place by weaving together diverse heritages. Additionally, the tour will delve into the importance of fostering relationships between community, cultural and place management organizations. This excursion also includes a rare private tour at the National Nordic Museum led by its Chief Curator, a guided walking tour of public art with insight from local muralists, a Q&A session discussing the Ballard Alliance's placemaking initiatives, and a boat tour of the working waterfront, organized in collaboration with the SODO BIA and Port of Seattle.
- *This tour includes lunch, bus and boat transportation, and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Room 508/509, 5th Floor
- Registration for the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG.
Wednesday 11 Sep 2024
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, 5th Floor Foyer
- Registration for the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- During the tour, participants will explore the arena and receive a detailed presentation on the engineering feats behind preserving its historically landmarked roofline, all while achieving the distinction of being the world's first climate-neutral arena. Situated on the northern fringe of downtown, the Seattle Climate Pledge Arena stands as a shining example for the city, drawing crowds from across the region to support Seattle's NHL team and enjoy performances by international musical acts. Participants will depart the tour impressed and inspired by the potential to develop cutting-edge venues in their own downtowns while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park are home to several professional sports teams and host many events annually, impacting the adjacent neighborhoods of Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and SODO. These neighborhoods balance the opportunities for economic prosperity with the challenges posed by events such as traffic congestion and security issues. Participants will have the unique opportunity to visit three businesses in each district affected by these events, exchanging firsthand experiences. Additionally, they will engage with stadium representatives to understand the collaborative efforts between BIAs and stadium stakeholders in preparation for and management of such events. With Seattle poised to be one of the host cities for FIFA 2026, ongoing discussions are crucial to address these complexities effectively.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- The Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square neighborhoods are home to some of Seattle's richest cultural histories. Over the years, these communities have continuously had to prove the importance of respecting, recognizing, and providing access to emerging community and economic opportunities that honor their unique identities. Join this tour highlighting five impactful examples of thoughtful public-private collaborations spanning business, local government, arts, and place management. Through engaging with representatives from Hood Famous Cafe, Station Space at King Street Station, The Metropole Building, and the Alliance for Pioneer Square, participants will glean insights on leveraging culture to attract and retain businesses, empowering artists and invigorating downtown communities.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $90
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Economic Development
- LPM | 3.0
- CM | 3.0
- While clean and safe and placekeeping activities remain a strong part of almost all place management organizations, there's a growing emphasis on developing robust economic development programs specifically addressing downtown challenges. Economic development isn't always about progressing from simple to complex; it's about identifying and capitalizing on unique opportunities within your community to deliver tangible results to stakeholders. From comprehensive research and data analysis to fostering small business growth and advocating for equitable participation in business and commercial ownership, economic development initiatives encompass a wide spectrum of activities. This interactive workshop invites you to explore where your downtown fits within this continuum and discover major trends in economic development being undertaken by place management organizations.*Light refreshments will be provided.
- Learn the various stages of economic development and current trends including research, deal structuring and business assistance.
- Explore available tools, resources and programs.
- Gain an understanding of the importance of partnering with your municipality.
- Claudia Jolin, Executive Director, Baltimore Peninsula Community Benefits District (MD)
- Heather Schroeder, Executive Director, Downtown Wichita (KS)
- Nicole Thompson, President & CEO, Downtown Durham, Inc. Durham (NC)
- James LaBar, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Charlotte Center City Partners (NC)
Price:
- $90
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations
- LPM | 3.0
- CM | 3.0
- Join this interactive workshop and learn the basics of how place management professionals can facilitate placemaking in their work to engage communities and foster vibrant, inclusive and authentic places. Learn practical definitions; identify the “why;” explore goals and strategies; discuss community-led processes and co-creation; recognize opportunities for financial and in-kind contributions; and apply the right tools for the project and/or program. *Light refreshments will be provided.
- Gain an understanding of placemaking as a process, including the ability to adapt and create flexible solutions that align with community input, ultimately facilitating the transformation of ideas into authentic place outcomes.
- Discover how placemaking can effectively engage communities inclusively, fostering collaboration and enhancing communication.
- Recognize the critical phases of implementing placemaking initiatives, from developing programs and managing budgets to fostering inclusive design processes, ensuring resilient program management, and evaluating program strategies.
- Sherryl, Muriente, M.U.R.P., LPM, Public Realm Director, West Palm Beach DDA (FL)
- Lisa Middag, Director of Public Space Engagement, Minneapolis DID (MN)
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Embark on a lively walking tour with the West Seattle BIA to discover the charms of the West Seattle neighborhood, renowned for its strong sense of community and stunning vistas of the city and sound. Take a water taxi on Elliot Bay over to West Seattle and upon reaching the peninsula, participants will board a private shuttle to Avalon Glass Works, where they'll tour the studio and delve into the collaborative partnership behind the West Seattle Glass Float Hunt – a highlight among the many events aimed at enhancing economic and social vitality in the area. Stroll along the main street to admire the flower baskets, banners and tree lights that beautify the neighborhood. And finally, gather for a slideshow showcasing the top events hosted in West Seattle, with a focus on logistics and finances.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Take time to relax and recharge at the Relaxation Station just outside of the 5th floor elevators brought to you by Downtown Decorations.
Location:
- Taylor Pickleball Court, 2600 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) has partnered with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Department of Transportation to support a new Pickleball project in Belltown. The Belltown Pickleball Courts – at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Taylor Avenue – is a “Quiet Court” piloting the use of “quiet-category” paddles. Three neighboring businesses, City Foods, TeKu Tavern + Café and Zeek’s Pizza, rent paddles for same-day use. These paddles were developed by a local business in conjunction with researchers and students from The University of Washington studying materials that will dampen the sound of the paddle by using surface coatings and sub-surface materials yet maintain the nature and feel of the game like always.
- Join a friendly game of pickleball and enjoy some food and music! Games will be first come, first served so please meet directly at the pickleball court. Each match will last about 20 minutes, and all equipment will be provided. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable closed toe shoes and sun protection. DSA will also provide a complimentary bottle of water per player. Looking forward to seeing you at the court!
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- As participants traverse the city, witness the interwoven threads of our dynamic network, showcasing Seattle's commitment to accessible and innovative mobility. The tour not only unveils the present efficiency but also reveals strategic expansions to meet the city's growing needs. Cap off the adventure with a maritime twist aboard the West Seattle Water Taxi for a delightful journey, adding a splash of fun to your Seattle exploration. Let the city unfold in a picturesque panorama proving that a city tour can be both enlightening and whimsically nautical. Experience the evolution of Seattle's transportation ecosystem – a journey where each mode contributes to creating a forward-thinking, interconnected urban environment.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $35
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Explore Waterfront Park, a revolutionary 20-acre project set to debut in 2025, reshaping Seattle's iconic waterfront. Gain insights into this dynamic development and the innovative public-private collaboration between the City of Seattle and Friends of Waterfront Park. This tour will kick off at Pike Street, where enhancements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are facilitating connections between downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill with the historic waterfront. From there, participants will walk to Pike Place Market's Marketfront, an exciting new addition offering stunning views of and connection to Waterfront Park's key attractions, and then on to Pier 62 and the newly opened Ocean Pavilion (Seattle Aquarium’s waterfront expansion). The tour culminates with a stroll along the Waterfront Park's promenade, a vibrant one-mile stretch featuring green spaces, engaging activities and shopping opportunities, all set against the backdrop of Seattle's historic piers.
- *This tour includes indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $90
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Economic Development
- LPM | 3.0
- You've completed a retail market study – now what's next? With significant pressure to cultivate a healthy retail environment downtown, defining your organization's role becomes crucial. Amidst competing interests from property owners, real estate brokers and retail operators, coupled with high expectations from the board of directors, deciding where to begin can be daunting. Join this workshop to explore navigating these challenges and creating a successful retail program and implementation strategy. Learn how to allocate time and resources effectively, and gain insights into the timeline for achieving success. *Light refreshments will be provided.
- Understand your organization's role in fostering retail success.
- Develop strategies for thriving retail programs.
- Ensure success in retail initiatives.
- Molly Alexander, CEO & Founder, Imagine the Possibilities/ITP Consulting (Austin, TX)
- Davon Barbour, President & CEO, Downtown Development District of New Orleans (LA)
- Crissy Cassetty, Director of Economic Development, Nashville Downtown Partnership (TN)
Price:
- $90
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations
- LPM | 3.0
- Place management operations cover a wide scope of work, from cleaning and maintenance to providing on-street services addressing safety and quality of life issues. For new professionals to succeed as operations staff, they need to have a basic understanding of building and running a successful operations program that caters to the unique challenges and opportunities in their districts. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine key practices and principles of implementing a successful operations program on any budget to enable you and your team to support your organization’s wider place management efforts. *Light refreshments will be provided. This workshop includes an interactive walking portion, both indoors and outdoors.
- Explore the role of place management operations.
- Learn key strategies to build successful operations programs on any budget.
- Understand the role data plays in running a successful program.
- Melvin Eledge, LPM, Director of Operations, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc (MI)
- Amanda Miller, Manager, Sustainability Initiatives, Downtown Denver Partnership (CO)
Price:
- $90
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Policy and Advocacy
- LPM | 3.0
- Place management organizations increasingly need to engage with elected officials, influence public policy and advocate for their district's and members' needs. This workshop will equip participants with all the essential tools and strategies, from issue identification to coalition building, to forming a winning advocacy strategy for their districts. Through interactive activities and tips from experienced advocacy professionals, leave with a concrete advocacy plan tailored to your needs. With an emphasis on collaboration and communication, participants will be empowered to drive positive change in their communities. *Light refreshments will be provided.
- Understand why place management organizations should be engaged in policy and advocacy work.
- Explore actionable methods to implement policy and advocacy work through effective tactics and strategies.
- Apply acquired skills to craft personalized advocacy plans.
- Andrew Goldberg, Principal, Agora, and IDA U.S. Government Relations (Washington, DC)
- Kimberly Bares, LPM, President and CEO, The Magnificent Mile Association (Chicago, IL)
- Marshun Tolbert, Government Relations Manager, The Magnificent Mile Association (Chicago, IL)
- Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Business and Minister of Trade, Province of Nova Scotia (Halifax, NS)
- Christian von Donat, Vice-President, Government Relations and Strategy, Impact Canada, and IDA Canada Government Relations (Ottawa, ON)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Quinault, 5th Floor
- This welcome gathering, designed for first-time conference attendees, is a great way to kick off your conference experience and network with other attendees. IDA staff and seasoned members will be available to answer any questions about IDA or provide tips about navigating your first Annual Conference & Marketplace.
- The First Time Attendee Social sponsored by IKE Smart City + OB|M.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Regency Ballroom, 7th Floor
- IDA Master Talks present the industry's most engaging and innovative speakers.
- Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
- Derrick Belgarde, Chief Seattle Club
- Bob Donegan, President, Ivar’s (Seattle, WA)
- Mari Horita, Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Government Relations, Seattle Kraken (Seattle, WA)
Location:
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109
- Celebrate the opening of the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace with IDA and the Downtown Seattle Association! Join us at the Museum of Pop Culture, a nonprofit museum, home to the world's most immersive pop culture experiences, showcasing iconic moments in TV, rock 'n' roll music, science fiction, and legendary pop culture artifacts! This reception will be held indoors.
- MoPOP is 0.9 mile walk from the host hotel, Hyatt Regency Seattle. Shuttles will be limited for those that are unable to walk to the venue, beginning at 6:30 p.m., departing from the Hyatt Regency Seattle Ground Floor, 8th Avenue Exit off Howell Street. Shuttles will run on a continuous loop until 9:00 p.m., dropping off at MoPOP and returning to the hotel. Ride the Monorail to MoPOP! Attendees can purchase tickets online or at the Westlake Center station. Take the monorail to the Seattle Center station, exit using the ramp and continue going left. MoPOP is the bright, colorful building shaped like a smashed guitar.
- Opening Reception sponsored by Uncommon Bridges.
Thursday 12 Sep 2024
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Room 508, 5th Floor
- Start your Thursday feeling centered! Enjoy a yoga class courtesy of MRI Software. Unwind, stretch and get your mind and body ready for a productive day. All levels welcome. Don’t forget to pack your workout gear and add this to your agenda! This complimentary class will be first come, first served. Yoga is sponsored by MRI Software LLC. Mats will be provided.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, 5th Floor Foyer
- Registration for the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Quinault, 5th Floor
- Join us for a morning of networking over breakfast! IDA invites our Certified Leaders in Place Management (LPM) to gather and share insights, experiences and a cup of coffee (or tea). Terrance Ona, IDA’s General Counsel, will speak during this breakfast about “Ethics and Eggs.” Please RSVP during registration to save your spot.
- Terrance (Terry) Ona, General Counsel, International Downtown Association (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Renew friendships and expand your network of like-minded professionals. Enjoy your coffee in the Relaxation Station just outside of the 5th floor elevators brought to you by Downtown Decorations.
Price:
- $35
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Delve into the inner workings of Downtown Seattle Association's ambassador operations on this behind-the-scenes tour. Gain invaluable insights into the strategies and systems that drive these operations and discover innovative solutions to common challenges faced by placemaking professionals. Explore functional areas such as dispatch desks, mechanic shops and deployment areas, and learn how various teams utilize these central functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Throughout the tour, subject matter experts will provide detailed explanations of their roles and contributions to the organization. Experience innovative custom equipment – including trikes, bikes, and storage systems – that not only streamline operations but also contribute to job satisfaction among team members. Additionally, participants will visit several BID-managed public spaces full of amenities and engaging programming.
- *This tour includes indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Economic Development (Entrepreneurship)
- Intermediate
- 1.25
- The severe contraction in retail categories like large-format drug stores and full-service bank branches has left our downtowns with an excess of sizable floor plates that can be very difficult to backfill. But the ongoing boom in small-business creation might just offer a possible solution (that’s not just temporary).
- Explore the latest trends related to storefront vacancy and small business growth in downtowns.
- Define tangible strategies for filling challenging retail vacancies through an approach that aligns with the goals and needs of both property owners and tenants.
- Identify ways to address historic inequities in city centers by prioritizing opportunities for BIPOC and other undercapitalized entrepreneurs.
- Michael Berne, President, MJB Consulting, (Berkeley, CA /New York, NY)
- Cassie Hoeprich, Director of Planning & Economic Development, Downtown Houston+ (TX)
- Dillon Goodson, Co-founder, Public Sphere Projects (St. Louis, MO)
- Sean Webster, Manager, Level Up Downtown (Boston, MA)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure (Office Conversations and Adaptive Reuse)
- CM | 1.25
- Intermediate
- A growing number of office-to-residential conversion programs have received international attention for their success at rapidly decreasing office vacancies while delivering much-needed downtown housing stock. Learn about innovative tactics to leverage adaptive reuse as the groundwork for a revitalized downtown core.
- Formulate a plan for leveraging various funding sources to incentivize the conversion of vacant office space to additional housing in the downtown core.
- Learn to collaborate with relevant parties to understand the best opportunities for redevelopment.
- Envision increased vibrancy and diversity in the downtown, moving from a 9-to-5 central business district to a 24/7 community with services and amenities for a variety of demographics.
- Steve Wirzba, Downtown Planner – Downtown Strategy, City of Calgary (AB)
- Natalie Marchut, Manager of Development & Strategy – Downtown Strategy, City of Calgary (AB)
- Maxim Olshevsky, Chief Executive Officer, Astra Group & Peoplefirst Developments (Calgary, AB)
- Michael Yu, Director, Investments & Asset Management, Aspen Properties (Calgary, AB)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events (MarCom)
- Intermediate
- Learn how to make content creation and management work for you and your team. Dive into the strategy and process of how to create engaging social media posts for your district with a budget of any size. Determine how to connect your social media effectively to your newsletter and website content to successfully get your message across and find the metrics you need to determine the success of your channels.
- Develop strategies for creating content for placemaking.
- Gain an understanding of how to connect social media to other digital content.
- Learn to measure success with analytics and ROI.
- Daisy Ruiz, Marketing and Communications Manager, Chicago Loop Alliance (IL)
- Kaitlin Thresher, Director of Marketing, Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District (San Francisco, CA)
- Ariella Gibson, Director of Marketing and Communications, Chicago Loop Alliance (IL)
- Raven Birk, Social Media and Member Outreach Manager, Downtown Austin Alliance (TX)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management Operation (Operations and Public Safety)
- Intermediate
- Join this session to learn about a unique clean streets partnership. This innovative approach provides job readiness skills, social impact and support in lifting underserved neighbors and individuals in the community who are experiencing homelessness. Additionally, it beautifies the BID and ensures streets and sidewalks remain clean and open for business.
- Learn to approach a clean streets program in an innovative way that makes a positive social impact.
- Define programmatic impact by more than merely examining your clean streets metrics (but track those, too).
- Communicate the benefits of a public-public partnership to board members and stakeholders on the ground.
- Mike Stewart, Executive Director, Ballard Alliance (Seattle, WA)
- Gina Hall, CEO, Uplift Northwest (Seattle, WA)
- Wyatt Hoffman, Clean and Safe Manager, Ballard Alliance (Seattle, WA)
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Organizational Management
- Intermediate
- The future is now! AI is on the brink of becoming a cornerstone of our world. Sooner than we think, AI will be defined as a fundamental component, not only to our lives and society, but also to our city centers, blending into the everyday operations and systems of districts. Hear from the AI Top Issues Council about the ways UPMOs are integrating AI into their work and participate in a facilitated discussion about the future of AI.
- Understand what AI is and how the tool can be used in UPMOs.
- Learn to explain how AI can benefit their organization and ways to integrate it now.
- Identify creative uses of AI based on location, organization and stakeholders.
- Bree von Faith, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications, DTLA Alliance (Los Angeles, CA)
- Rowell Reyes, Engagement & Resource Development Coordinator, Downtown Fresno Partnership (CA)
- Doug Prude, Director, Economic Development & Opportunity, Downtown Dallas, Inc. (TX)
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Shane Zahn, Sr. Director of Community Safety, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (MN)
- Pat Powell, Chief of Staff, Golden Triangle BID, (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- Highlight your downtown's success and discover new opportunities for growth with location analytics. Discover which businesses have recovered and which are struggling, which downtown events contribute to economic success, and who you should be marketing to.
- Service Advisories are private-sector insights specifically tailored to the place management industry. This Service Advisory is presented by Placer.ai. In addition to the above content, this Service Advisory may include a demo of their product or service.
- Caroline Wu, Director of Research, Placer.ai (Los Altos, CA)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Learn about private-sector solutions to solve hurdles in your community! Visit the exhibitor page to explore solutions.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- Do you offer downtown solutions or consultancy? IDA offers a variety of ways for you to get engaged, lend your expertise, market alongside a trusted platform and develop business. Stop by IDA booth #42 in the Marketplace and share your work with Tracie Clemmer, IDA’s Director of Corporate Relations, or set up an appointment by emailing tracie@downtown.org.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Regency Ballroom, 7th Floor
- The Downtown Achievement Awards highlight the most innovative and engaging projects from around the globe.
- The 2024 Downtown Achievement Awards are sponsored by American Christmas.
- For over 30 years, Amazon has been headquartered in the Puget Sound region, helping shape the greater Seattle area through investment, job creation, community engagement and charitable giving. On September 12, we will sit down with two of Amazon’s Vice Presidents of Global Real Estate & Facilities to discuss the importance of urban design and placemaking; how Amazon is building thriving 18-hour districts where people work, live, shop, dine and play; and the importance of hyperlocal community engagement.
- John Schoettler, Vice President, Amazon’s Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF)
- Shannon Loew, Vice President, Amazon’s Global Corporate Real Estate and Facilities (GREF)
- Monique Ming Laven, Anchor, KIRO 7 (Seattle’s CBS affiliate)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Learn about industry-specific solutions for your district during lunch. Review exhibitor details.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- IDA has worked with 55 downtowns and urban districts since 2017 to quantify the value of downtown and how much it contributes to its city and region. This data has revealed that since 2000, downtown residents have increased at three times the rate of the city, and jobs have grown 15%. Learn more about how to share the powerful role your district plays through The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities or how it compares to other districts around the country. Interested in being involved in the 2025 study? Visit with IDA’s Research department to learn more.
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Leadership Development
- Introductory
- Join this session during lunch and learn about the IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship Program and the premier certification program and why both programs are important to the place management profession and industry.
- Learn about the application process and eligibility requirements of both programs
- Gain an understanding of what you will learn and what you need to know for both programs
- Explore what it takes to keep your certification current.
- Learn how to track continuing education credits
- Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CTP, CMSM, Director of Professional Development, International Downtown Association (Evanston, IL)
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Explore the public realm transformation of Seattle's Waterfront along the boundaries of Pioneer Square, the city's historic district. Discover how completed and underway construction projects are creating a more pedestrian-friendly experience for visitors to Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District and Stadium District. Participants will see completed projects including the demolition and redesign of the Alaskan Way Viaduct (an elevated 2.2-mile freeway along the city’s waterfront), the establishment of Waterfront Park and the addition of Habitat Beach; and learn about current initiatives such as the construction of east-west street improvements to further enhance the pedestrian experience. The tour will emphasize the importance of well-designed connectivity between the Seattle Waterfront, Pioneer Square and surrounding districts for fostering economic development.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Economic Development
- Home to the University of Washington, Seattle’s University District is one of the city’s oldest commercial districts outside of downtown. Since an upzone in 2017 and the opening of a new light rail station in 2021, the U District has experienced rapid development, with more than 20 new towers proposed or underway. Amidst this transformation, small businesses and cultural institutions face the challenge of preserving their presence in a district known for its pedestrian-friendly scale and historic charm. This tour will showcase how place management organizations can play a vital role in preserving the unique character of neighborhood businesses, preventing displacement and embracing growth and change. The U District Partnership has been at the forefront, implementing various strategies including a $5 million business facade grant, initiatives supporting arts and culture, hosting festivals and events, and advocating through collaborative efforts with the City of Seattle and local developers.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Economic Development
- Situated on opposite sides of Seattle's northern region, Ballard and University District boast vibrant, walkable commercial corridors defined by dense retail, legacy businesses, and rich cultural history. Ballard, with its maritime industry, historic designation and Scandinavian heritage, exudes vintage charm, evident while browsing boutiques or enjoying drinks at a local dive bar. Anticipating the arrival of light rail in 2040, Ballard is poised for future development and a potential shift in its commercial identity. Meanwhile, the University District is already undergoing a transformation spurred by the introduction of light rail and recent upzoning efforts fostering a dynamic environment for rapid development. Adjacent to the University of Washington, the neighborhood is a hub of youth culture and activism, reflected in its eclectic shops, global cuisine, and lively entertainment venues. This tour will compare each neighborhood’s approach to transit, development and pandemic recovery, highlighting how neighborhood leadership navigates the balance between economic development and preserving local character through varying stages of growth.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Economic Development
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- This tour will showcase the economic development activity in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic district, including an overview of past and current initiatives. Pioneer Square is home to the nation's oldest Art Walk, a vibrant array of cultural institutions and a rich tapestry of preserved historic buildings. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the district has seen the opening or leasing of 30 new retail businesses in the past year alone. Tour stops will include an institutional Seattle art gallery, a historic music venue, and a culturally relevant space for refreshments. Participants will be fully immersed in the past, present and future of Seattle through the lens of its oldest neighborhood. Topics covered during the tour will include historic preservation, arts and cultural events, and business development.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Economic Development (Innovative Public Private Partnerships)
- Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) has forged a partnership with George Mason University's Costello College of Business to implement impactful initiatives benefiting Fairfax City's economic base. Together, they aim to advance FCED's objectives, focusing on business investment, real estate development, retail growth and government contracting, fostering a thriving local economy.
- Gain innovative strategies for forging impactful university partnerships.
- Discover tools to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by leveraging university resources.
- Analyze city-university partnerships and emerge with the ability to discern the distinct roles of local government, academic expertis and student involvement in shaping retail and real estate landscapes within the context of placemaking and economic development.
- Tara Borwey, Economic Development Programs Manager, Fairfax City Economic Development (VA)
- Patrick Soleymani, Associate Dean for Outreach and Strategic Engagement, Associate Professor and EDA Commissioner, George Mason University Costello College of Business and Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (VA)
- Christopher Bruno, CEO & President, Fairfax City Economic Development (VA)
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Planning, Design, and Infrastructure (Infrastructure and Mobility)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- Discover how public and private sectors can come together to implement climate and mobility solutions that make good business sense and build resilient cities. Post-COVID, many cities have lost ground on climate, Vision 0 and equity goals. This session will delve into how the City of Seattle utilized public-private partnerships to navigate the resiliency challenges posed by the pandemic. Speakers will explore the development, execution and adaptability of a public-private Transportation Management Association. Unique local ordinances that make waves with the carrot rather than the stick, and transit pass programs strategically crafted to be irresistible for employers will also be highlighted. Together, these efforts collectively propel business and public officials forward, fostering economic development, enhancing access to opportunities for all, and advancing the city's ambitious climate agenda. Attendees will gain insights from a diverse panel of non-profit, business community and public agency staff to learn how collaborative efforts enable stakeholders to optimize investments and attract both employers and employees to the region.
- Explain the value of multi-modal transportation programs to potential public and private partners in their own city
- Apply incentive structures and/or local ordinances to improve climate outcomes and improve mobility with support across sectors
- Describe the positive impacts these programs can have on all stakeholders, including businesses, property managers, public officials, and other place makers.
- Alex Hudson, Executive Director, Commute Seattle (WA)
- Cindy Chen, Customer Relationship Manager, King County Metro Transit (Seattle, WA)
- Zarina Infante, Program Director, Commute Seattle (WA)
- Sarah Spicer, Transportation Options Program Manager, Seattle Department of Transportation (WA)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events (Events and Festivals)
- Introductory
- Build connections between people and place! During this session, learn how to design and execute events that transform. Uncover ways to create meaningful connections between individuals and locations to foster a sense of belonging and harness the power of collaboration to ignite transformative outcomes.
- Analyze the local business landscape and plan events that effectively support and promote different businesses.
- Understand how to execute an event that is inclusive and appealing to tourists, residents, workforce and local business owners.
- Develop metrics that assess the economic and social impact of events on local businesses and the broader downtown community, enabling continuous improvement and sponsorship fulfillments.
- Alexis Bondi, Operations and Events Manager, Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority (FL)
- Jenée Padmore, Planner III (Placemaking Planner), Fairfax County (VA)
- Erin D. Bush, Director of Marketing & Communications, Hoboken Business Alliance (NJ)
- Larissa Szilagyi, Director of Finance and Operations, Hoboken Business Alliance (NJ)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations (Operations and Public Safety)
- Intermediate
- Many cities with BIDs have under-staffed and over-stretched Police Bureaus. This session will explain how Downtown Portland Clean & Safe's Public Safety Program works effectively with Portland Police Bureau to provide a presence of public safety, improve livability and reduce crime.
- Describe how your BID/ESD community would collectively benefit from a thriving public safety "Safe" Program and Police Bureau partnership.
- Explain the key factors that make an ESD/BIDs "Safe" Program and Police Bureau partnership successful.
- Apply the content learned to your current BID/ESD public safety needs to identify strengths, challenges, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Steve Wytcherley, Director of Operations, Downtown Portland Clean and Safe (OR)
- Mark Wells, Executive Director, Downtown Portland Clean and Safe (OR)
- Jerry Cioeta, Police Sergeant, Neighborhood Response Team, Bike Squad, Central Precinct, Portland Police Bureau (OR)
- Kevin McGraham, Site Manager, GardaWorld Security Services (Portland, OR)
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Intermediate Track
- Winning an IDA Pinnacle Award is the highest honor you can receive from IDA. Join this session to hear from five 2024 Pinnacle award-winning projects in the domains of: Public Space Management and Operations; Marketing, Communications and Events; Economic Development; and Planning, Design & Infrastructure.
- The 2024 Downtown Achievement Awards are sponsored by American Christmas.
- Jordan Polon, LPM, IDA Awards Committee Chair and Executive Director, Hartford BID (CT)
- Judith Veresuk, PCED, LPM, Executive Director, Regina Downtown BID (SK)
- Daniel Lokic, Economic Development Manager, U District Partnership, (Seattle, WA)
- James Sido, Director, Media Relations & Issues Management, Downtown Seattle Association (WA)
- Mike Rieger, PLA, PMP, Deputy Director, The East Cut Community Benefit District (San Francisco, CA)
- Ed Wolverton, President and CEO, Uptown Columbus, Inc. (GA)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers. Please note this session is limited to practitioners of place management organizations who hold the position of President, CEO and / or Executive Director.
- Anthony McMillan, CEO, Newark Downtown District (NJ)
- Kate Borders, LPM, President, University Circle Inc. (Cleveland, OH)
Location:
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- Unite your divided data – from disorganized data to strategic action – mater reporting with District360 and empower your place management organization with data-driven decision making. This session brings together three urban development leaders (economic development directors and data managers from leading place management organizations) who will share their experiences transforming their organizations data management using District360, a powerful CRM built on the Salesforce platform designed specifically for downtown management organizations. Discover how to tame the data beast – learn proven strategies for organizing and managing complex and disparate data sets within District360. Explore building impactful reports by reviewing how your peers leverage District360 to generate compelling reports that inform strategic choices and guide decision-making. Learn to communicate insights with confidence and gain insights into how to effectively present data-driven stories to stakeholders, fostering collaboration and driving impactful action. Leave this session equipped with strategies to transform your data into actionable insights that propel your placemaking and economic development projects forward. This session is ideal for economic development professionals, place managers, urban planners and data analysts working in downtown districts.
- Service Advisories are private-sector insights specifically tailored to the place management industry. This Service Advisory is presented by District360. In addition to the above content, this Service Advisory may include a demo of their product or service.
- Kathryn McKissick, Vice President, District360 (Washington, DC)
- Marion Bonneaux, Data & Information Specialist, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (MI)
- Danielle Contorer, Sr. Associate, Planning & Economic Development, NoMa BID (Washington, DC)
- Mbacke Faye, Senior Urban Planner, Newark Downtown District (Newark, NJ)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Meet companies offering professional tools and district enhancements! Please visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- IDA’s 2024 report briefs address a selection of the most pressing issues facing downtowns and city centers. Chat with the Councils about highlights and trends from the 2024 reports. Explore topics to cover in 2025 and learn how to get involved in a future Council! Visit with IDA Research for a chance to win a knowledge vault! Enter the raffle to win a USB flash drive loaded with valuable IDA Top Issues Council reports from over the years.
Location:
- Room 507, 5th Floor
- Reconnect with peers, share experiences and unwind in an ELF Alumni dedicated space on Thursday afternoon. Enjoy refreshments and a chance to mingle with fellow alumni.
- The ELF Alumni Hospitality Room is sponsored by Streetplus.
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Economic Development (Placemaking and Placekeeping)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- As post-pandemic challenges continue, one trending recovery strategy involves retail – a downtown ecosystem staple. Landlords securing deals are leveraging ground floor retail as an amenity for upstairs tenants, advancing leasing. This session will demonstrate how the retail recruitment approach to placemaking and retention, attraction programs and partnerships has returned as a promising path.
- Explore how retail has emerged as a valuable amenity for tenants, advancing both residential and office leasing activity in downtowns challenged by stagnant return-to-office rates.
- Acquire creative strategies, programs and partnerships UMPOs may consider for partnering with property owners and brokers to strategically attract and retain retail to promote a distinct district identity.
- Learn how data can aid in storytelling to help make needed connections between property owners and tenants to achieve a cohesive downtown placemaking strategy.
- F. Phillip Barash, Co-founder, Public Sphere Projects (Boston, MA)
- Sarah K. Wiebenson, Director, Vice President, Economic Development, Downtown Denver Partnership (CO)
- Ashley Labadie, Planning and Economic Development Senior Manager, National Landing BID (Arlington, VA)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure (Downtown Planning)
- Advanced
- CM | 1.25
- Profound demographic and economic changes have set the stage for two decades of downtown opportunity. This has been triggered by unprecedented housing demand and an imperative need for downtowns to evolve into innovation ecosystems. These ecosystems represent essential engines for regional economic competitiveness, particularly during a period dominated by knowledge industries driving economic growth.
- Unlock opportunities for expanding downtown housing, from historic rehabs to retrofitting outmoded office buildings and new construction.
- Explore making downtown housing feasible through achievable public-private partnerships in strong and weak real estate markets.
- Translate downtown housing into a powerful tool for enhancing placemaking and regional economic competitiveness for knowledge industries.
- David Dixon FAIA, Stantec's Urban Places Fellow, Stantec (Boston, MA)
- Brandye Merriweather, President, Buffalo Urban Development Corp. (BUDC) (NY)
- Joe Gudenrath, Executive Director, El Paso Downtown Management District (TX)
- Jordan Block, Principal, Discipline Lead - Urban Design, Stantec’s Urban Places (Denver, CO)
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events (Media Relations)
- Intermediate
- Media relations is a small, but important part of an overall public relations or marketing strategy for your downtown. It’s also an area that feels elusive for many of us, particularly when budgets preclude hiring an outside firm. This session will explore the benefits of telling stories through media relations efforts while outlining simple steps to create a successful strategy regardless of budget, district or staff size.
- Gain an understanding of the key components of an effective and well-rounded media relations program.
- Discover specific strategies, actionable tips and today’s tools for developing a pitch, targeting the right media and monitoring coverage to increase the odds of success.
- Learn the basics for developing a crisis communications plan as well as best practices for successfully, and professionally, representing your organization and community.
- Mary-Claire Burick, President, Rosslyn BID (Arlington, VA)
- Kate Fenske, CEO, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ (MB)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations (Operations and Public Safety)
- Intermediate
- Ambassadors are vital to many downtowns and city centers. This session will offer a conversation dedicated to Ambassador teams, and the challenging work that they do every day. Speakers will explore ways that the industry can best support, acknowledge, solicit their input and perspectives, creating opportunities for them.
- Understand the roles, value and significance of Ambassadors and consider their input and perspective when devising solutions for challenges.
- Explore the opportunities for Ambassadors within UPMOs.
- Learn how Ambassadors’ roles and responsibilities will morph in the next three to five years.
- Yvette Freeman, Senior Strategist, Progressive Urban Management Associates (Denver, CO)
- Gerren Price, President and CEO, DowntownDC BID (Washington, DC)
- Derreck Hughes, Vice President of Operations, Block by Block (Louisville, KY)
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Leadership Development
- Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind conversation combining tenured wisdom with current best practices and emerging leadership innovations. Join this interactive discussion between the 2024 Dan Sweat Lifetime Achievement Award winners, esteemed CEOs and emerging CEOs who will take questions from the audience to explore the core nature of the urban place management profession. Probing questions on difficult leadership challenges will help bring light to how true leaders triumph in the face of adversity.
- Kristopher Larson, AICP, LPM, President & CEO, Downtown Houston + (TX)
- Bob Eury, Retired Chief Executive Officer, Central Houston, Inc. (TX)
- Kerry Morrison, Founder, Heart Forward LA (Hollywood, CA)
- Emilie Cameron, President & CEO, Downtown Spokane Partnership (WA)
- Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc (CO)
- Anthony McMillan, CEO, Newark Downtown District (NJ)
- Puneeta McBryan, CEO, Edmonton Downtown Business Association (AB)
Location:
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- Organization Management
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Kate Joncas, Director, Urban Strategy and Development, MIG (Seattle, WA)
- David Downey, President and CEO, IDA, (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- EXMURO arts public makes surprising and thought-provoking art accessible in open-air public spaces in cities. Join us for a journey through the collection and discover how we can bring artistic vision to your city with real-world examples from our successful collaboration with the Downtown Boston BID. Discover how their team of experts can guide your district through every step, from artistic direction to technical and logistical support. Explore EXMURO’s unique perspective on public art and its power to engage communities.
- Service Advisories are private-sector insights specifically tailored to the place management industry. This Service Advisory is presented by EXMURO arts public. In addition to the above content, this Service Advisory may include a demo of their product or service.
- Denis Bergeron, Circulation Manager & Development Agent, EXMURO arts public (Quebec, QC)
- Michelle Drapeau Associate Artistic Director, EXMURO arts public (Quebec, QC)
- Michael Nichols, President, Downtown Boston BID (MA)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Meet companies that can help you level up! Visit the exhibitor page to learn about industry-specific solutions.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- IDA provides members with opportunities to become more engaged with the profession by serving on committees, task forces and special projects. Find opportunities that fit your interests and expertise, gain leadership experience and further develop the urban place management profession.
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Join Christian Martin, CEO, for a hands-on demo of Real-Time District Management presented by Jia. Come ready to explore how Jia helps your district visualize your operations!
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Economic Development (Future of Work)
- Advanced
- CM | 1.25
- A partnership out of University City District brings together industry, economic development and workforce partners to connect local under-represented talent into the booming life sciences manufacturing industry. University City District's West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) is one of the nation’s most successful place-based workforce intermediaries, bridging the divide between unemployed Philadelphians seeking opportunity and employers seeking talent. In 2022, WPSI along with partners from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, The Wistar Institute, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) and Iovance Biotherapeutics, came together to create a new program to support the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy manufacturing industry in University City. By targeting non-degree holders for hands-on training in a growing field, the partnership is connecting undeserved local talent into quality jobs in a growing industry that has seen $1B in new development in the past five years.
- Identify the talent needs of anchor institutions and growth industries in your district.
- Discover overlooked talent in your backyard.
- Design solutions that propel economic mobility and inclusive growth.
- Patrick Bayer, Senior Manager, Economic Mobility, University City District (Philadelphia, PA)
- Sarah Steltz, Senior Vice President, Strategy, University City District (Philadelphia, PA)
- Lauren Bishop, Senior Manager, Employer Services, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (PA)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure (Downtown Planning)
- Advanced
- CM | 1.25
- In 2023, researchers at Brookings partnered with downtown leaders on a research project to dig beneath the “urban doom loop” narrative. Through interviews and analysis, they aimed to disentangle conflicting perceptions and realities surrounding why downtowns still matter, specifically focusing on crime, adaptive reuse, homelessness, transit and downtown foot traffic.
- Articulate the economic, social and political challenges of inequality and why downtowns are part of the solution for creating shared prosperity.
- Identify which key metrics are most important to understand downtown vitality and how they vary across U.S. cities.
- Apply lessons from emerging best practices to your local context.
- Tracy Hadden Loh, Fellow, The Brookings Institution (Washington, DC)
- Rico Quirindongo, Director, Office of Planning and Community Development (Seattle, WA)
- Hanna Love, Fellow, The Brookings Institution (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Intermediate
- Discover how your website can become your city's "digital downtown"—a central hub that mirrors the vibrancy and dynamics of your physical urban spaces. Panelists will delve into the expansive capabilities of their digital platforms during this session.
- How websites can streamline city operations, from public services to alerting the public to timely closures and emergencies.
- Tips for using your digital presence to attract businesses, investors, and tourists.
- Techniques to foster higher engagement with your board and stakeholders and for greater transparency
- Mel Charlton, VP, Strategy & Services, Geocentric, North Bethesda, MD
- Mackenzie Carter, Vice President of Marketing & Communication, The Hollywood Partnership (CA)
- Ann Taylor, Director of Engagement - Downtown Houston+ (Houston, TX)
- Jala Curtis, Business Marketing and Communications Program Supervisor (Downtown Fort Collins, CO)
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations (Placemaking and Placekeeping)
- Intermediate
- Co-created with the LGBTQ+ community, The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway, is a groundbreaking placemaking experiment in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Learn how innovative combinations of public art, technology and digital storytelling can make public spaces more inclusive and the types of public-private-community partnerships it takes to create and maintain them.
- Define the subtle differences between inclusive placemaking and activating a site.
- Create a plan to proactively include LGBTQ+ communities in placemaking efforts.
- Develop an action plan to align public, private and LGBTQ+ partners in the placemaking and placekeeping process.
- Julia Beabout, CEO & Creative Director, Novaby (Seattle, WA)
- Lonnie Lusardo, Founder & Principal Consultant for The Diversity Collaborative (Seattle, WA)
- Horatio Hung-Yan Law, Public Artist and Master Plan author, AMP (Portland, OR)
- Eddy Chavez, Communications Director, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center previously Gay City (Seattle, WA)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Organizational Management (User, Stakeholder and Owner Interests)
- Ever wish there was a playbook for organizational change and realizing a bigger vision for your district? This session explores lessons for UPMOs seeking to grow, innovate and adapt for new possibilities. Opportunities may include expanding district boundaries, increasing budgets, rebuilding programs or staffing or enhancing culture.
- Gain insights and identify tools for managing organizational growth and change, building buy-in, enhancing programs and measuring impact.
- Determine processes for advancing stakeholder and owner engagement and building a new vision.
- Expand your thinking to grow your budget as you scale service delivery.
- Emeka Moneme, President, Capitol Riverfront BID (Washington, DC)
- Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President & Executive Director, National Landing BID (Arlington, VA)
- Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director, Midtown Association (Sacramento, CA)
- Puneeta McBryan, CEO, Edmonton Downtown Business Association (AB)
Location:
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Tim Kocur, Executive Director, Waterfront BIA, Toronto, (ON)
- Jeff Bray, LPM, CEO, Downtown Victoria Business Association, Victoria, (BC)
- Kate Fenske, CEO, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ (MB)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Learn effective strategies and real-life examples utilizing statistics, stories and social to illustrate the impact of your operations program. Whether maintaining cleanliness and safety or enhancing hospitality and outreach efforts, numerous districts allocate a considerable portion of their budget to operations. How can you measure the return on this investment and effectively communicate the value of your programs to stakeholders and the broader community?
- Service Advisories are private-sector insights specifically tailored to the place management industry. This Service Advisory is presented by Block by Block. In addition to the above content, this Service Advisory may include a demo of their services.
- Moderator, Chip, West Division Vice President, Block by Block
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Companies offering ways to enhance your district are on-site and ready to share creative solutions to your everyday problems. End the day with a beverage and say hello to colleagues and friends.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- Visit the IDA Marketplace booth to enjoy an inspired cocktail with our membership champions! This is a great way for nonmember attendees or members who want a refresher to learn about IDA’s community while networking in a smaller setting. Discover valuable resources and stay up-to-date on IDA products, programs and services. Seasoned IDA members and staff will be available to answer any questions about membership and benefits.
Friday 13 Sep 2024
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Room 508, 5th Floor
- Start your Friday feeling centered! Enjoy a yoga class courtesy of MRI Software. Unwind, stretch and get your mind and body ready for a productive day. All levels welcome. Don’t forget to pack your workout gear and add this to your agenda! This complimentary class will be first come, first served. Yoga is sponsored by MRI Software LLC. Mats will be provided.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, 5th Floor Foyer
- Registration for the 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Renew friendships and expand your network of like-minded professionals. Enjoy your coffee in the Relaxation Station just outside of the 5th floor elevators brought to you by Downtown Decorations.
Price:
- $70
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, 8th Avenue
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Explore the public realm transformation of Seattle's Waterfront along the boundaries of Pioneer Square, the city's historic district. Discover how completed and underway construction projects are creating a more pedestrian-friendly experience for visitors to Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District and Stadium District. Participants will see completed projects including the demolition and redesign of the Alaskan Way Viaduct (an elevated 2.2-mile freeway along the city’s waterfront), the establishment of Waterfront Park and the addition of Habitat Beach; and learn about current initiatives such as the construction of east-west street improvements to further enhance the pedestrian experience. The tour will emphasize the importance of well-designed connectivity between the Seattle Waterfront, Pioneer Square and surrounding districts for fostering economic development.
- *This tour includes transportation and indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Economic Development (User, Stakeholder and Owner Interests)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- The tsunami of emptying houses of worship engulfing the U.S. and Canada requires place management professionals and volunteers to reach out to the faith community, understand the regulatory environment, and consider creative solutions to what is becoming one of downtowns’ top challenges.
- Understand the impact of the huge number of emptying churches on economies, landscapes and social networks.
- Gain strategies to navigate the often-conflicting worlds of faith institutions, municipalities and real-estate professionals.
- Explore becoming change agents for reuse and redevelopment of emptying churches and, in so doing, transform downtowns and commercial districts.
- Rick Reinhard, Principal, Niagara Consulting Group (Rockville, MD)
- Dr. Nadia Mian, Senior Project Manager, Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Public Engagement, Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ)
- Rev. Graham Singh, CEO and Founder, Trinity Centres Foundation (Montreal, QC)
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure (Downtown Planning)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- Industrial and manufacturing districts, situated adjacent to downtown areas, are rapidly evolving neighborhoods crucial for job creation, fostering innovation and nurturing emerging creative industries. However, they face considerable pressure due to the success of downtown. How can we collaborate, advocate for common issues and learn from one another? What are potential benefits of partnership and what can we learn from placemaking strategies?
- Explore opportunities to establish partnerships between industrial districts and downtown neighborhoods.
- Learn how the economic success of the downtown core is putting gentrification stress on adjacent industrial neighborhoods and their manufacturing job base.
- Learn from the creative industries in industrial districts and how these new concepts can be successful in a traditional downtown setting.
- Kate Joncas, Director, Urban Strategy and Development, MIG (Seattle, WA)
- Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director, Meatpacking District Management Association (New York, NY)
- Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA, (Seattle, WA)
- Patricia Barnes, Executive Director, East Village Hastings North BIA (Vancouver, BC)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Intermediate
- Exploring a brand refresh for your downtown? Dive into three case studies illustrating a wide range of place branding approaches, each aimed at positioning your downtown as a vibrant destination and elevating your objectives. Participants will gain insight into how to plan, develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies to authentically position a destination, connect with audiences, and create pride of place.
- Explore strategies and techniques used in the rebranding process, including stakeholder engagement, storytelling and visual identity development.
- Learn how to evaluate different branding options, from subtle adjustments to comprehensive overhauls, and assess potential impact on perception, engagement and economic development.
- Develop actionable insights and strategies to implement a successful rebranding initiative for a downtown destination, considering budget constraints, timelines, and organizational capacity.
- Nancy Miyahira, Vice President of Marketing, Georgetown BID (Washington, DC)
- Tiffany Faublas, Director of Marketing, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (FL)
- Elisabeth Hooker, Vice President of Marketing and Programming, Downtown Spokane Partnership (WA)
- Andrew Peck, Executive Director, Downtown Rideau BIA (Ottawa, ON)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations (Operations and Public Safety)
- Intermediate
- Learn how data collected daily by Ambassador teams using state-of-the-art technology is crucial to informing program decisions in the public realm. Counting event attendees, downtown pedestrians, concierge services, litter collected, and more, drives the ever-evolving service mix to increase Ambassador impact.
- Understand the importance of data to drive business decisions.
- Discover the role Ambassadors play in gathering field data, which ultimately informs stakeholder reports, online dashboards, and media coverage.
- Explore various methods of data collection, ranging from in-house or outsourced approaches to high-tech or low-tech solutions, conducted on a daily or annual basis.
- Gain insights into how data collection can be scaled and remain equally impactful across different methodologies.
- Shane Zahn, Sr. Director of Community Safety, Minneapolis DID (MN)
- Brian Cannon, Director, Community Safety & Hospitality, Downtown Seattle Association (WA)
- Steven Walls, Director, Cleaning Services, Downtown Seattle Association (WA)
- Dave Willard, Vice President and Deputy Director, Waikiki BID (Honolulu, HI)
Domain:
- Policy and Advocacy (Equity and Inclusion)
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- This open discussion forum offers a unique platform for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) engaged in urban place management to hold space, share experiences and form lasting connections. Participants will have the opportunity to network with peers to help advance culturally-response work and gain ideas to influence their organizations. As the industry becomes more diverse, the insights from this discussion can contribute to a collective knowledge base that benefits the wider IDA audience and pushes the industry forward. This forum will be facilitated by your peers.
- Ishmael Nuñez, Partner, Uncommon Bridges (Seattle, WA)
- Jenell Moffett, Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Downtown Austin Alliance (TX)
- Ebony Walton, Director of Marketing and Communications, DowntownDC BID (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Economic Development (Equity and Inclusion)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- This session addresses practical lessons from a "community-centered economic inclusion" initiative by Brookings and LISC in Detroit and Puget Sound. It focuses on bridging the gap between underinvested areas and regions of opportunity, offering a framework for inclusive economic revitalization and connecting business districts with local residents.
- Learn about the factors leading to neighborhood isolation and economic disparities.
- Evaluate effectiveness of the Community-Centered Economic Inclusion framework.
- Explore a tested framework for advancing economic inclusion, which is designed to integrate business districts more effectively with the broader community and greater region.
- Hanna Love, Fellow, Brookings Institution (Washington, DC)
- Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din, President and CEO, Southwest Detroit Business Association (Detroit, MI)
- Michelle Rubin, Program Officer of Economic Development, LISC (Detroit, MI)
- Karri Matau, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Snohomish County (Everett, WA)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Intermediate
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers
- Jordan Polon, LPM, Executive Director, Hartford BID (CT)
- Kaitlin Thresher, Director of Marketing, Fisherman’s Wharf (San Franciso, CA)
- Liz Burt, Director of Urban Activation and Play, Centro San Antonio (TX)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Meet with five new companies! Visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace to plan ahead. The Marketplace closes after lunch on Friday.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- Policymakers in Washington, DC make decisions that affect our downtowns and city centers. IDA members bring essential perspectives and unique knowledge to the debate over issues that shape the places that matter to us. Join Andrew Goldberg (IDA U.S. Government Affairs) and other U.S. Advocacy Network members, to learn more about how your organization can access tools and resources that enable you to be a leading advocate for downtowns and city centers.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Regency Ballroom, 7th Floor
- IDA Master Talks present the industry's most engaging and innovative speakers. This final General Session will feature a ceremony for IDA’s Leadership in Place Management (LPM) certificants.
- Garrick Brown, VP, Real Estate Intelligence & Business Development, Gallelli Real Estate (Roseville, CA)
- Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO, Destination DC (Washington, DC)
- Kelly Goodejohn, Vice President & Chief Social Impact Officer, Starbucks (Seattle, WA)
- Amy King, Founder and CEO, Pallet (Seattle, WA)
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Elwha Room and Elwha Foyer, 5th Floor
- Last chance to learn about technology and services that can elevate your work. Learn about companies investing in your industry by visiting the exhibitor page.
Location:
- Marketplace Booth #42
- Get ready for professional development in 2025! Meet up with IDA staff and our 2025 co-hosts to learn about programming, networking and can’t miss locations. Your future self will thank you.
Price:
- $35
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Delve into the inner workings of Downtown Seattle Association's ambassador operations on this behind-the-scenes tour. Gain invaluable insights into the strategies and systems that drive these operations and discover innovative solutions to common challenges faced by placemaking professionals. Explore functional areas such as dispatch desks, mechanic shops and deployment areas, and learn how various teams utilize these central functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Throughout the tour, subject matter experts will provide detailed explanations of their roles and contributions to the organization. Experience innovative custom equipment – including trikes, bikes, and storage systems – that not only streamline operations but also contribute to job satisfaction among team members. Additionally, participants will visit several BID-managed public spaces full of amenities and engaging programming
- *This tour includes indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Meeting Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, Lobby Level, Howell Street
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- Explore Waterfront Park, a revolutionary 20-acre project set to debut in 2025, reshaping Seattle's iconic waterfront. Gain insights into this dynamic development and the innovative public-private collaboration between the City of Seattle and Friends of Waterfront Park. This tour will kick off at Pike Street, where enhancements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are facilitating connections between downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill with the historic waterfront. From there, participants will walk to Pike Place Market's Marketfront, an exciting new addition offering stunning views of and connection to Waterfront Park's key attractions, and then on to Pier 62 and the newly opened Ocean Pavilion (Seattle Aquarium’s waterfront expansion). The tour culminates with a stroll along the Waterfront Park's promenade, a vibrant one-mile stretch featuring green spaces, engaging activities and shopping opportunities, all set against the backdrop of Seattle's historic piers.
- *This tour includes indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and light rain gear.
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Economic Development (Office Conversions and Adaptive Reuse)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- Catalytic projects are often stymied by community resistance. What does it take to gain support from city leaders and residents? What role do BIDs play? This session will cover data-driven, consensus-driven approaches that work to make sure the public support is there to help you get past the finish line.
- Explore community outreach approaches, practical tools and tips for marketing and engaging from the developer's perspective.
- Discover how to use data to inform the planning process and get ahead of the public approvals process.
- Learn about the role BIDs play in facilitating collaboration for successful long-term outcomes.
- Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director, Public Non-Profit Solutions, Streetsense (New York, NY)
- Anya Chan, Research & Insights Director, Streetsense (Washington, DC)
- Lemore Czeisler, VP Development, Pacific Retail Capital Partners (Los Angeles, CA)
- Cynthia Stewart, Senior Vice President, Managing Director Public Policy & Community Development, Goman+York (New York, NY)
Location:
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- Planning, Design, and Infrastructure (Climate Change)
- Introductory
- CM | 1.25
- This interactive session uses a hands-on game to introduce the Resilient Neighborhoods Toolkit. Learn to apply practical, scalable design strategies to multifaceted resiliency challenges faced by a variety of downtowns across North America. Discover easy-to-implement tools for building climate-resilient communities in a fun, actionable way.
- Explore a full range of resiliency strategies that can be used in daily practice.
- Gain an understanding of resiliency with an illustrated toolkit that can be used in conversations with local stakeholders.
- Discover a new way of responding to resiliency that is smaller in scale, but equally as important in responding to climate change.
- Rafael Berges, Senior Urban Designer for Citywide Zoning Division, NYC Department of City Planning (NY)
- Astrid Mayak, Planner / Urban Designer, Stantec (New York, NY)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Room
- Public Space Management and Operations (Placemaking and Placekeeping)
- Introductory
- CM | 1.25
- This session will assist place management professionals in incorporating considerations of loneliness into public space efforts. It will provide foundational knowledge of the concepts and resources necessary to understand how to measure the prevalence of loneliness in communities. Additionally, it will explore how space programming and design can promote social connections and address loneliness.
- Define loneliness and its health impact, and learn how the built environment relates to the increasing prevalence of loneliness in cities.
- Explore the role of public space in fostering social connection and mitigating loneliness, and discover why community mental well-being and health should be a key metric of success in planning and design efforts.
- Learn to implement techniques for assessing loneliness within your community, as well as intentional design and programming strategies for public spaces intended to alleviate loneliness and enhance social connections.
- Candice Ji, Planner / Designer, Gehl Studio (New York, NY)
- Mallory Thatch, Senior Program Manager of Placekeeping, Brownsville Community Justice Center (Brooklyn, NY)
- Krista Nightengale, Executive Director, Better Block (Dallas, TX)
- Patrick Raue, Clinical Psychologist and Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
- Rico Quirindongo, Director, Office of Planning and Community Development (Seattle, WA)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Intermediate
- BIDs are, by their nature, very agile and responsible organizations with a reputation for getting things done. Hence, while many not-for-profit organizations dedicate an entire board, staff, and budget to a single event, BIDs often pull off multiple events while doing marketing, placemaking, advocacy, and member engagement. Because of our reputation, we are often called upon by a mayor, a community, or another group to pull together an event quickly. We always manage to do it, and here are a few stories we lived to tell.
- Equip UPMO leaders and teams with a variety of best practices
- Provide UPMO organizations with a suite of strategies for planning and executing events, particularly with short notice and limited resources.
- Create a network of UPMO organizations who provide event services similar to your own.
- Paul MacKinnon, CEO, Downtown Halifax Business Commission, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Katherine Hardwick, VP Marketing and Research, Downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
- Kathleen Rawson, President and CEO, Hollywood Partnership, Hollywood, CA
- Chip McCabe, Director of Placemaking and Events, Hartford BID, Hartford, CT
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Policy and Advocacy
- Intermediate
- Discover how to collaborate with other districts in your city or region to develop and release a policy agenda. This agenda will sway candidates running for local office and provide policy solutions to sitting representatives and government officials.
- Leave feeling empowered and equipped to replicate the formation and evolution of initiatives similar to the Philadelphia BID Alliance for your own district.
- Gain step-by-step instructions for creating a policy agenda.
- Gain PR and candidate engagement strategies applicable across diverse scenarios, extending beyond the policy agenda process.
- Philip Green, Senior Manager of Commercial Corridor Improvements, City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce (PA)
- Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director, Old City District (Philadelphia, PA)
- Briana Paschall, Marketing Director, City Ave District (Philadelphia, PA)
- Gwen McCauley, Executive Director, Manayunk Development Corporation (Philadelphia, PA)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Leadership Development
- Advanced Track
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers. Please note this session is limited to practitioners of place management organizations who hold the position of President, CEO, and / or Executive Director.
- Joe Spencer, President, Stain Paul Downtown Alliance (MN)
- Nicole Thompson, President/CEO Downtown Durham, Inc. (Durham, NC)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Starbucks retail leaders and outreach workers will discuss how the partnerships and impacts support the unhoused in the Seattle area.
- Service Advisories are private-sector insights specifically tailored to the place management industry. This Service Advisory is presented by Starbucks. In addition to the above content, this Service Advisory will include a demo of their product or service.
- Julissa McWashington, Senior Manager, Global Social Impact, Starbucks (Seattle, WA)
- Amber Molen, District Manager, Starbucks (Seattle, WA)
- Travis Robinson, AHA Outreach Worker, Starbucks (Seattle, WA)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Organizational Management (Strategic Planning)
- Downtown district directors from across the United States will come together to share how using their strategic plans as catalysts for meaningful organizational change have led to positive impacts in their districts.
- Uncover how organizations use their strategic plans to inform successful district formation and renewal.
- Discover how organizations leverage strategic plans to drive internal organizational shifts (staffing, board governance) and external focus (program development, innovative public-private partnerships with the city and public sector).
- Explore how an intentional, multi-phase strategic planning process brings immense value by actively engaging staff, board members, community members and stakeholders.
- Jacqueline Robinette, Organizational Development Lead, Uncommon Bridges (Seattle, WA)
- Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance (TX)
- Mike Stewart, Executive Director, Ballard Alliance (Seattle, WA)
- Gerren Price, President & CEO, DowntownDC BID (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Planning, Design, and Infrastructure (Designing Inclusive Districts)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- How has the post-pandemic mindset created new opportunities for inviting more vibrant and inclusive public life into downtowns? Explore insights from North American practitioners as they discuss promising strategies for public programming, public realm design, ground floor initiatives, and more. Gain valuable lessons from their experiences in the field.
- Explore how the public realm can support inclusion, belonging and shared economic prosperity and why it might be a winning strategy for your district.
- Investigate funding and partnership strategies for implementation in your district based on public realm capital improvements and robust programming strategies from across a range of district types.
- Engage fellow attendees in meaningful project-related dialogue around key topics.
- Anna Muessig, Cities Team Director, Gehl (New York, NY)
- Kevin Green, President & CEO, Midtown Alliance (Atlanta, GA)
- Joyce Tang, BES, MLA, MCIP, CSLA, ARCT., Leader of Greater Downtown, City of Calgary (AB)
- Anita Cozart, Director, DC Office of Planning (Washington, DC)
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Planning, Design and Infrastructure (Downtown Planning)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- While Canadian cities have experienced dramatic shifts in recent years, the strategies and tools employed by municipalities and development organizations to enliven, diversify and strengthen their respective downtowns are as varied as the socioeconomic circumstances of the communities themselves. A variety of uniquely Canadian perspectives will be offered, highlighting strategies to bolster downtown resiliency that will nevertheless provide insight valuable to Canadian and other partners alike.
- Appreciate both the commonalities and distinctive characteristics inherent in downtown revitalization initiatives, and discover why context, history, and socio-economics matter in how we develop and implement strategies.
- Apply lessons learned from initiatives implemented in three diverse Canadian cities to enhance downtown planning efforts in your community.
- Gain insight into the rationale behind the implementation of specific measures aimed at addressing common challenges, and why a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.
- Morgan Huber, Senior Strategic Planner, The City of Calgary (AB)
- Carlie Ferguson, Leader, Strategy & Placemaking, The City of Calgary (AB)
- Judith Veresuk, Executive Director, Regina Downtown BID (SK)
- Glenn Castanheira, Executive Director, Montréal centre-ville, (QB)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations (Placemaking and Placekeeping)
- Intermediate
- This session offers smaller cities aiming to initiate public art programming, mid-sized BIDs seeking to expand their cultural presence, and large-scale programs interested in traveling exhibitions and resource sharing, the opportunity to connect. Exchange ideas and collaborate on developing roadmaps and resources essential for successful placemaking and public art during a round table discussion.
- Identify the key challenges in establishing or building public art programming.
- Discover at least one new initiative to pursue within the budget and scale of your district.
- Establish clear ways to collaborate across cities, maintain communication for one year, and reconvene to share results at IDA’s 2025 Annual Conference & Marketplace.
- Jean Cooney, Vice President of Arts and Culture & Director of Times Square Arts, Times Square Alliance (New York, NY)
- Gabriel Yeager, Director of Placemaking and Events, DTLA Alliance (Los Angeles, CA)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Intermediate
- Every downtown organization faces decisions about new ventures, special events and added roles that challenge the organization. When these ideas and innovations bring new financial resources to the organization, it is considered diversification. These activities can help shape and define the organization’s success beyond clean and safe, expanding relationships and business support across the community. Learn about the range of diversification that downtown organizations are achieving, and how these efforts impact the overall health, wealth and credibility of your organization.
- Understand how 501c6 organizations, defined by membership, manage and grow their membership base, and the related costs for fulfilling memberships versus revenues earned.
- Explore the benefits of a 501c3 structure relative to fundraising, grants and sponsorship development.
- Learn how to monetize the value of events, street festivals and branded opportunities for corporate business support.
- Maggie Campbell, President and CEO, Downtown Arlington (TX)
- Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc (CO)
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Intermediate
- Join this open discussion forum and share experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Ivan Villegas, CPP, Director of Operations, LA Fashion District BID, (Los Angeles, CA)
- Cory Luster, Executive Director, Charles Village Benefits District, (Baltimore, MD)
Location:
- Room 505, 5th Floor
- Against the backdrop of the immense challenges that downtowns face, public art trails bring art out of the gallery to animate places and spaces, leading to huge economic, social and health and wellbeing impacts. In this session, we explore how art trails will invigorate your downtown, encourage exploration and drive footfall, attract new audiences and enable residents to re-engage with the local area – leading to exciting, thriving and successful places.
- Service Advisories are private-sector insights specifically tailored to the place management industry. This Service Advisory is presented by Wild in Art. In addition to the above content, this Service Advisory will include a demo of their product or service.
- Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art (Brighton, UK)
Location:
- IKE Smart City | OBM Lounge, Hyatt Regency Seattle, 5th Floor Foyer
- Join IKE Smart City | OBM for a hands-on demo.
Location:
- Hyatt Regency Seattle, 5th and 7th Floor Foyer
Location:
- Room 702, 7th Floor
- Economic Development (Innovation Districts)
- Intermediate
- CM | 1.25
- Innovation Districts are vibrant, urban places that catalyze collaboration and drive competition. But what are the key ingredients to really sustain success and tout this coveted title? Listen to insights from leaders to see what it takes to be a premier innovation district.
- Increase understanding of the importance that technology and infrastructure play in growth and reinvention of downtowns and cities.
- Gain insights into what it means to be a top-tier innovation district.
- Explore the role of strategic partnerships and collaborations to foster diverse and equitable growth.
- Malaika Scriven, Vice President, Planning and Development, National Landing BID (Arlington, VA)
- Kevin Green, President & CEO, Midtown Alliance (Atlanta, GA)
- Dougan Sherwood, Head of Innovation Districts, Captains of Innovation, CIC (Boston, MA)
Location:
- Quinault, 5th Floor
- Planning, Design, Infrastructure (Downtown Planning)
- Introductory
- CM | 1.25
- Explore the evolving landscape of downtowns, once bustling economic hubs, now impacted by suburban development, remote work and shifting demographics. In this session, experts from various city sizes and disciplines will examine the vibrancy of downtowns in North America through the lens of big data and real-world experiences. The goal is to uncover challenges and glean best practices to shape resilient, inclusive downtowns that are prepared for the future.
- Identify the six important factors that influence downtown strategy.
- Understand the importance of big data and AI in downtown analysis.
- Define success metrics with continuous data measurement to achieve goals.
- Apurva Kumar, CEO, CITYDATA.ai (San Francisco, CA)
- Nik Kaza, Professor, Department of City and Regional Planning & Director, Center for Urban & Regional Studies, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
- Josh Yeager, Co-founder, Bright Brothers (Phoenix, AZ)
- Claude Imbault, Deputy Director, Downtown San Fransico Partnership (CA)
Location:
- Room 501, 5th Floor
- Marketing, Communications and Events (Cultural Heritage Tourism)
- Intermediate
- Today, 1 in 3 Americans believe that heritage travel is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with their roots and uncover individual identities. In this session, explore strategies that embrace the history of place through marketing and tourism asset development to support legacy travel.
- Identify ways to collaborate and partner with destination marketing organizations locally and regionally on tourism-centered initiatives.
- Adapt marketing tools to effectively communicate with diverse visitor segments seeking cultural heritage experiences.
- Determine local opportunities for development of tourism products and experiences that respond to trends in legacy travel.
- Nur Asri, Principal/CEO, Think Place Agency (New York, NY)
- Derek Dawson, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, VisitPITTSBURGH (PA)
- Abriannah Aiken, Designer, DLR Group (New York, NY)
- Dan Henderson, CEcD, MEDP, Director, Office of Economic Development, City of Gilbert, (AZ)
Location:
- Willapa, 5th Floor
- Public Space Management and Operations (Placemaking and Placekeeping)
- Intermediate
- Learn about the trials and tribulations of the collaboration between Toronto BIAs and the City of Toronto in designing Mainstreet dining districts. This initiative involved integrating bespoke patio designs, bike corrals, loading zones and community spaces. Thirty of Toronto's BIAs participated in the program, highlighting the unique and innovative partnership between the City and local BIAs through the BIA Patio Pilot Program. This pilot program offered funding and assistance to BIAs to explore, experiment and develop creative solutions to promote outdoor dining, establish community spaces and enhance the aesthetics of their main streets.
- Apply best practices for building consensus and buy-in with stakeholders over the use of public space.
- Learn how to create a partnership model between BIAs and local government (and other orders of government).
- Explore how to effectively create hyper-local dining districts through UPMOs while maintaining efficiency and maximizing city resources.
- Lesley Vaage, Manager, Main Street Initiatives, City of Toronto (ON)
- Meg Marshall, Community Manager, Ossington Avenue BIA (Toronto, ON)
Location:
- Room 701, 7th Floor
- Leadership Development
- Intermediate
- So, you’ve landed the position of President, CEO or Executive Director – now what? Join this session to gain insights from professionals wrapping up their first year and others completing five years in their respective positions. Discover strategies to navigate your early years effectively and set reasonable expectations for ongoing success.
- Gain insights into the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by CEOs and Executive Directors.
- Identify the critical success factors that shape a leader’s inaugural year.
- Explore the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the profession.
- Brian Kurtz, President & CEO, Downtown Tulsa Partnership (OK)
- Jennifer Hensley, Executive Director, Downtown Boise Association (ID)
- Cory Luster, Executive Director, Charles Village Community Benefits District (Baltimore, MD)
- Jack Cullen, Executive Director, Rock Island Downtown Alliance (IL)
Location:
- Room 502, 5th Floor
- Policy and Advocacy
- Intermediate
- With a high urban indigenous population in Downtown Seattle, join this session and learn from the people and organizations that have been succeeding in integrating indigenous values, traditions, and languages in public spaces to honor the past, heal the present, and celebrating the future. These partnerships and authentic celebrations of indigenous life, art, and progress unapologetically proclaims, “We are here.”
- Apply engagement tools and techniques to begin authentic conversations
- Gain knowledge of partnership models for public organizations or non-profits with Tribes or Tribal Nations
- Think creatively about ways indigenous culture can be integrated into the public realm
- Sou Garner, Project Manager, MIG, Inc., Seattle (WA)
- José de Jesús Leal, ASLA, Principal, Native Nation Building Studio Director / Landscape Architect, MIG, Inc. Native Nation Building Studio, (Sacramento, CA)
- Donny Stevenson, Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Councilmember, Muckleshoot, Indian Tribe, Muckleshoot Reservation, (WA)
- Jordan Remington, Programs Manager/Curator of Indigenous Programs, Friends of Waterfront Seattle (WA)
Location:
- Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), 860 Terry Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109
- Close out the 2024 Annual Conference & Marketplace with IDA and the Downtown Seattle Association!
- What better way to close out the 2024 Annual Conference & Marketplace than at the Museum of History and Industry! Founded in 1952, MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in Washington state, maintaining a collection of nearly four million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials primarily focusing on Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. This reception will be held indoors.
- MOHAI is 1 mile from the host hotel, Hyatt Regency Seattle. Shuttles will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m., departing from the Hyatt Regency Seattle Ground Floor, 8th Avenue Exit off Howell Street. Shuttles will run on a continuous loop until 9:00 p.m., dropping off at MOHAI and returning to the hotel.
Sponsors
Thought Leaders Circle
City Builders
Place Enhancers
Ambassadors
Exhibitors
Exhibitors
Corporate representatives are coming to Seattle to share their innovative solutions with you. Please plan to spend time meeting each exhibitor and enjoy a sneak peek of the companies participating.
Learn MoreInterested in Sponsoring?
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Not Yet a Member?
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Questions?
For assistance or further information about the conference, please contact the IDA registration team.
